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Nebraska defense tightening up

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Even after his defense gave up 653 yards to UCLA and 498 yards and 63 points to Ohio State, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini didn't waver in his belief that things would get better.

Nebraska's retiring athletic director and former coach Tom Osborne runs onto the field with players prior to an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012. Osborne is being honored for his involvement in 500 Nebraska football games. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Over the last five games, that's exactly what has happened.

No. 17 Nebraska allowed Minnesota a season-low 177 yards on Saturday and held the Gophers to just 10 of 28 passing. Nebraska now ranks 19th nationally in total defense and 41st in scoring defense.

Much of the improvement has come in pass defense, where Nebraska's secondary and linebackers are holding opponents to a nation's-best 45.4 completion percentage.